The states in the northwestern part of India are responsible for the country's agriculture. However, with lower groundwater levels this is now becoming an issue. The situation in the southeastern part of India is no better. In fact, both of these regions are the most stressed when it comes to groundwater depletion levels.

Groundwater in India is becoming difficult to get access to. Central, south, and west India has a very low water table than the rest of the country. Eastern India however has a better water table as compared to these parts.

Issues because of low groundwater levels

Groundwater is a critical source in India. However, the current studies show that 20% of the aquifers will be in a very critical situation in the next 20 years because of low groundwater levels. This will impact agriculture, clean water access, and thus livelihood. This indeed is a major cause of concern. India uses a lot of groundwater. The country uses 230 cubic kilometers of groundwater every year. This is more than a quarter of groundwater usage globally When it comes to irrigation 65% of agriculture depends on groundwater. 85% of drinking water is also dependent on groundwater.

Groundwater is also a major buffer when the monsoon rains are low. It can thus be said that rainwater is a valuable source. However, with the rate of groundwater level deterioration caused by aquifers, the economy could be jeopardized. Climatic changes also add to water depletion.

Clean water is a major requisite

With the news of areas facing water shortage, it becomes even more important to save water. It is a challenge to provide water and to meet the population growth demands in India. The government of India has started various initiatives to preserve safe drinking water. There were sustainable measures introduced adapting to which was mandatory.

Earth has both life and water. Even though 70 percent of earth's water is filled with water only 1% of it is accessible. All living things are dependent on clean water. Saving water and its depletion on the ground is a cause of concern these days. This is also a big challenge now to meet in order to cater to the population growth.

The United Nations has predicted that the groundwater level will be at a low level by 2025. There are some parts of the Indo-Gangetic plain that are already tipping towards the low point. The depletion will be irreversible and this could cause a shift in the ecosystem. The groundwater levels are a concern as they can cause climatic and environmental issues.

The water resource pressure will go bad with time. A decrease in groundwater will increase the cost of water. Not having access to clean water will affect the amount of safe water that families get. Access to clean water will only rise in the future, this is important for a better life quality.

India needs to work towards meeting the demands of its increasing population giving them access to clean drinking water.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene or WASH services are important for the development and growth of individuals. There's a need for immediate action and innovative measures to salvage the issue of safe water.

Many Indian regions suffer from water scarcity. As per the assessment done by the Indian government almost 70% of fresh water is contaminated. This is the water on the surface and in the ground. Almost 68 percent of the homes and 82% of the rural homes in India do not get access to untreated water.

As per the NITI Aayog's 2018 Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) India has over 17% of the population of the world. However, it only has 4% of the freshwater reserves. By the year 2025, the clean water demand will increase by 22%. The clean water demand in India in the year 2050 will increase by 32%.

The southern and northern regions will be the most affected. As per prediction, this will cause over 2 lakh deaths each year due to less water availability. It is thus important that a water management plan be put in place at the earliest. This will help to promote sustainable development. It will also help to address the issue of clean water scarcity in India.

Conclusion

Conservating the water bodies is an important step to take. We at Bankabio have undertaken the wastewater treatment. This is a part of our CSR initiative. We have done it by restoring the natural bodies of water. We have adopted traditional and sustainable ways to store water. Rainwater harvesting is also a good way to consider the Indian climate. The country gets 925mm of rainfall in a span of four months.  We use environmentally friendly methods to protect the planet.

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